Former US President Bush to host African First Ladies summit in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (PANA) - African first ladies from across the continent will gather here 2-3 July 2013 to focus on the important role they play in promoting women’s education, health and economic empowerment, it was officially announced Thursday.

Dubbed the George W. Bush Institute’s African First Ladies Summit, the event will feature keynote addresses by former US President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura.

To be held under the theme: “Investing in Women: Strengthening Africa” and with support from ExxonMobil, the summit will bring together African First Ladies, government officials, private organisations, NGOs and academics to discuss best practices that can reap sustainable, replicable results, benefit women and strengthen society.

Announcing the summit Thursday, the George W. Bush Institute said it would include First Lady announcements and commitments and the opportunity to learn from experts in the fields of education, health and economic empowerment.

PANA reports that the summit will also spotlight success stories and provide follow-up services.

According to the institute, “advancing women’s economic empowerment, health and education is imperative to development because the inclusion and active participation of women in all areas of society increases stability and prosperity of countries.”

''Investing in women results in better outcomes for entire families, communities and nations,” it said, observing that many African countries were committed to introducing critical interventions in education, health and economic opportunity led by First Ladies that would benefit women and strengthen society.